STRM028 – Postgraduate Business and Economics

Dissertation and Research Methods Module

FULL-TIME STUDENT STUDY GUIDE, Stafford 2014/15

Linda Coles

Linda.coles@northampton.ac.uk

STRM028 Dissertation and Research Methods Module - Overview

This guide is designed to give students an overview of the independent research and related research methods skills training programme offered across Northampton Business School at taught postgraduate level (level 7). The module is set out flexibly, so as to reflect the different types of research project which students may choose to undertake - conceptual, applied or work-related - and also to reflect the contrasting research paradigms that may be followed.

Overall aim(s) for the moduleTo provide the student with the opportunity to:

i) Acquire a grounding in taught postgraduate level (level 7) approaches to research, and related research skills

ii) Carry out a sustained, independent research project, involving an individual piece of conceptual, applied or work-related research, culminating in the writing of a dissertation or project report of approximately 16,000-18,000 words.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding a) Engage actively and successfully with a programme of training in

approaches to research, and related research skills, involving generic and field-specific elements

b) Demonstrate the ability to plan, design and implement an individual piece of conceptual, applied or work-related research, involving the synthesis of theory and practice, the contextualisation of the chosen topic in the literature and the selection of appropriate research methodologies and methods of data collection and analysis

c) Produce a substantial account of the research study that is consistent with the chosen type of research

Subject-specific Skills d) Formulate an academically rigorous and practically feasible research

proposal, setting out the detailed parameters for the proposed independent research project

e) Carry out an independent piece of conceptual, applied or work-related research, synthesising theory with practice in the chosen field, and making use of a conceptual framework based on the relevant academic literature and other appropriate sources of secondary data

f) Construct and use a research instrument, such as a survey, to collect primary and/or secondary data, and apply appropriate methods of data collection and data analysis in order to make comprehensive and appropriately focused responses to the research questions / issues / problems identified

g) Write a well defined and structured narrative account discussing the design, conduct and outcomes of the research project, in the form of a

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conceptual, applied or work-related research based dissertation or project report

Key Skills h) Manage a prolonged course of independent research and related study in

an orderly and effective manner, demonstrating the enhancement of academic knowledge, intellectual and work-related skills gained through completing the module successfully

i) Make discriminating use of learning and information technology resources, in order to locate, collect, analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative information, define and solve problems in a selective and critical manner, and challenge and critique accepted wisdom and methodologies in the chosen research field

j) Communicate the solutions arrived at, and the thinking underlying them, in verbal and written form.

Content of module:

The module comprises two main elements:

(i) Research methods training

(ii) Dissertation or project report

Research methods training

Full- time programmesThe approach will comprise a series of lectures, typically 1 hour in length, in which students will be provided, on a cross-school basis, with an introduction to generic research principles, approaches and options. A complementary series of field-based seminars and / or workshops will also be offered, reflecting the diverse research traditions, approaches, methodologies and methods appropriate to taught postgraduate (level 7) students located in the constituent fields comprising NBS.

Part-time programmesThe approach will comprise a series of lectures, typically 2 to 3 hours in length, in which students will be provided with an introduction to generic research principles, approaches and options, linked to training in field-specific research traditions, approaches, methodologies and methods.

Distance Learning programmesDistance learning students will be supported by means of an NBS-Nile site, and an essential textbook (where appropriate). This material will include an introduction to generic research principles, approaches and options, linked to training in field-specific research traditions, approaches, methodologies and methods. Integrated into the learning scheme will also be a number of self assessment exercises and resources together with student-tutor links via the internet. A face to face workshop will also be held, helping students to achieve

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the appropriate level of understanding expected, and provide explanations for the module assignment.

Students will be allocated a NBS supervisor.

Dissertation workingWorking initially from their research proposals, students will be given access to individual and group support from specialist supervisors located within their various fields of independent research study, with a view to facilitating the design and implementation of their research projects and their writing up in conceptual, applied and work-related dissertation / project report form. Suggested module study hours

Lectures and seminars/workshops 20Student workshop follow-up 42Preparation of research proposal/assessment 40Individual supervision -nbs 8Literature Review 100Data collection 90Data analysis 100Writing-up 200

600

Module engagement and formative feedbackA staged approach to student engagement and progression with the module is to be followed, reflecting the successive milestones passed during a student's independent research journey, from (i) attending the research skills workshop classes, to (ii) putting forward a draft research topic, to (iii) making contact and engaging with supervisors, to (iv) scoping an academically rigorous and feasible research proposal, to (v) completing a draft literature review chapter, to (vi) completing a draft research methodology and methods chapter, to (vii) completing and submitting the final dissertation or project report. Formative assessment will be provided at each intermediate stage in the journey, reflecting the achievement of learning outcomes in relation to stated assessment criteria.

This assessment strategy will provide the basis for a holistic and ongoing assessment of students' developing, independent research-related capabilities throughout the course of their module-related studies, providing students with formative as well as summative feedback until the dissertation is completed. Students will be required to demonstrate an ability to map out their research through the research proposal, together with an ability to build a conceptual framework based on the literature and to identify, defend and implement an appropriate research methodology and design, based on good research practice. The writing of the completed dissertation or project report will provide a well-established test of their ability to conduct in-depth, independent and focused research and to present that research in ways consistent with good scholarship in their chosen field of study.

Students will also be expected to provide regular evidence of progress by the timely submission of the component assignments through which the module is assessed. Students will also be expected to maintain regular contact with their

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supervisors, throughout the period from the latter's appointment to the submission of the final dissertation or project report, in order to help an assessment to be made of their progress towards the completion of their independent research project, and of the authenticity of the work carried out and presented for assessment.

As a quality assurance measure, students who do not maintain regular contact with their supervisors and provide regular evidence of progress may be required to attend a viva-voce examination following the submission of their final dissertation or project reports.

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Assessment

Assessment Items Weighting Learning OutcomesFinal dissertation Or project report (approximately 16,000-18,000 words)

100% a-j inclusive

Assessment criteria

The assessment criteria will need to vary according to the modes of research that students pursue. The general criteria below will need to be weighted accordingly for any particular dissertation:

The study is justified in terms of academic theory and business / management practice

Logical / feasible rationale, aims and objectives are provided

A clear conceptual framework is provided and clear research questions and /or hypotheses are articulated, linked to the literature in the field

Research methodology and methods appropriate to the research question / problem / issue examined are selected and are clearly justified

The final dissertation / project report structure follows conventions in the field

The dissertation or project report contains a logical narrative

The dissertation or project report contains evidence of significant critical analysis and evaluation

The presentation of text and data reflects taught postgraduate (level 7) scholarship and rigour.

Students will also be expected to provide regular evidence of progress by the timely submission of the component assignments through which the module is assessed. Students will also be expected to maintain regular contact with their supervisors, throughout the period from the latter's appointment to the submission of the final dissertation or project report, in order to help an assessment to be made of their progress towards the completion of their independent research project, and of the authenticity of the work carried out and presented for assessment.

Assignment submission

Two hard copies of your final dissertation or report must be submitted to the Student Assignment Office, Park Campus, The University of Northampton together with an electronic copy (submitted to the STRM028 Nile site via the

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Turnitin portal) on or before the submission date (To be confirmed via the STRM028 Nile site)

Module Timetable/General Details

This is detailed on the module website. The scheme of work details the research methods classes and the dissertation timelines the key dates in submitting your dissertation.

Grade award criteria for final dissertation or report

Please see Appendix.

Instructions on how to register your research topic via the NBS PG Nile site (to find a supervisor)

Please see Appendix.

Research Proposal Submission Sheet

Please see Appendix.

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R esearch Ethics

It is the responsibility of each inquirer to ensure that inquiry involving human subjects meets high scholarly and ethical standards. The inquirer needs to be honest, thoughtful and complies with professional and disciplinary standards and methodological approaches. During the module we will examine the University of Northampton’s code of ethics: look at the documents related to ethics on the STRM028 NILE site.

In addition you may consult:-

American Association for the Advancement of Science, US Office of Research Integrity, September (2000), ‘The Role and Activities of Social Scientist in Promoting Research integrity’, US Office of Research Integrity, (http://www.aaas.org/spp/sfrl/projects/report.pdf) (30 September 2003)

Ess, C. and Association for Internet Research, Ethics Committee (2002),’Ethical decision-making and Internet research,’ – Document, AoIR, (http://www.aoir.org/reports/ethics.pdf)(30 September 2003).

You must discuss ethical issues regarding collecting data with your supervisor and get their approval before you commence gathering data. Please fill out the ethics form and if your supervisor sees fit, get ethics committee approval prior to collecting data. An ethics form, signed by

your supervisor, must be appended to your dissertation.

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Research Methods Training

The aim of the research methods training provided by the STRM028 module team will be to prepare you for the dissertation or report and to provide the necessary underpinnings for your research.

We will help you to consider all the stages in the research process and the characteristics of effective business research. This will include:

Examination of different approaches to research and the strengths and weaknesses of different methods and techniques.

The importance of the literature search, analysis and review

The formulation of a research question(s) and/or hypothesis

Selecting a research design and using appropriate techniques

Interpreting results, drawing conclusions and making recommendations

All students must be familiar with the STRM028 Nile site, as useful information and links can be found here.

In particular, students will be able to access the following information:

Module Guide Detailed student guide to dissertation and report preparation Research methods training notes and links to useful websites General announcements and updates

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Suggested core texts

A great deal of the reading that you will be doing for your research will be on issues that are specific to your own project. This is a highly individual matter, on which your supervisor will advise you during your research project. As you proceed, you will no doubt be preparing a bibliography of relevant materials on your topic, plus references to research methods, and in particular, the research methodology you choose to adopt.

The research methods training course will broadly follow the following text (available as an ebook):

Saunders, M., Thornhill, A. and Lewis P (2012), Research Methods for Business Students- Sixth Edition, Pearson Education. ISBN 13: 9780273716860 & 10: 0273716867

And also-

Cooper, D. and Schindler, P.(2010) Business Research Methods, Eleventh Edition, MH

ISBN 978-007-128922-1

Both books are a comprehensive introduction to research methods in business for students planning or undertaking a dissertation or extensive research project in business and management

Additional textsThere are a number of good, additional texts on research in general and management research in particular. These provide an overview of the area and indicate the diverse nature of the field. It is worthwhile exploring a wide range of texts because they may stimulate your thinking and generate ideas for your research approach – as well as preparing you for writing your research proposal. This list offers some general introductory or background reading on research in general and management research in particular. You will find more books in the library.

Please ask if you are anxious to begin reading on a specific topic! Do not run out of reading.

Bryman, A. (1994) Research Methods and Organization Studies, Routledge, London.

This book is aimed at research students and professionals in organizational studies. It includes a variety of quantitative and qualitative research designs and methods that are systematically appraised for their uses and limitations.

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Collis J and Hussey R (2009), Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students, Third Edition, Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-1-4039-9247-5

Coolican, H. (2007) Research Methods for Psychology, HS

Excellent quants. text.

Cooper, H. (1998) Synthesizing Research: A Guide for Literature Reviews. 3rd ed. Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Lauded by thousands of readers for providing researchers with the first practical approach for doing systematic literature reviews, this popular book has been thoroughly updated and revisited to include the latest information on the use of electronic technology and the Internet to conduct literature searches. Expanded discussion of retrieving and coding information from research documents to produce coding sheets; up-dated coverage of report writing that includes APA's new guidelines and recent practices adopted by research syntheses.

Easterby- Smith, M., Thorpe R. and Low, A. (2001) Management research: An introduction Sage Publications. ISBN 0761972854

This book gives a good general overview of management research. It covers a wide range of topics - from the philosophical underpinnings of research design, to the practicalities of doing a piece of research. It is a good book to start.

Field, A. (2010) Discovering Statistics using SPSS, Third edition, Sage

Excellent in-depth SPSS text

Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (eds) (2002), Research Methods for Managers. Sage Publications, London. ISBN 0761940022

Despite the title, it's not really about methods as such, dealing more with different types of research design. Examples are drawn from business studies, so this book could be useful for students to see how general issues and topics are translated into research on management.

Jankowicz, A.D. (2005) Business Research Projects (4th Ed). London: Thomson ISBN1844800822

Pallant, J. (2010) SPSS Survival Manual, Fourth Edition, McGraw-Hill

Robson, C. (2001), Real World Research, Blackwell, London. ISBN 0631213058

Maylor, H. & Blackmon, K. (2005) Researching Business and Management, Palgrave

A general Introduction to research.

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Partington, D., (ed.) (2002) Essential Skills for Management Research Sage Publications. ISBN 0761970088

Yin, R. (1994) Case Study Research, London, Sage.

See also the additional reading list at the end of this guide.

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Research Proposal

Your supervisor will ask you to produce a proposal (including 250-300 words abstract) so that you and s/he can agree a feasible plan for implementing your dissertation. The proposal should be approximately 1,500 words long (not counting abstract, references and bibliography).

The proposal should have the following sections and sub-sections:

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Section/Sub-section Headings Indicative content

Title If necessary use a title and subtitle

Abstract Summary of the research topic describing the major issue(s), your proposed methodology and possible findings and justification for the study.

Table of Contents List of all major parts and divisions (including the abstract, even though it precedes the table of contents).

1. Introduction (Terms of Reference)

What the research project is to achieve?

Research Rationale (Statement of Problem),

What is the underlying rationale and aim of your research? What in your experience prompted it? Why are you doing it?

Objectives (Purpose of Research)

What is the study trying to achieve (i.e. is your purpose to explore, describe, understand, explain, predict, change, or something else)?

Research question (or propositions or hypotheses)

What is your research question(s)? or proposition(s)?

2 Critical Literature Review (Indication of the literature that informs your research)

This will be indicative. You will need to identify the key landmark studies in your topic area and will describe how these relate to the issues you intend to look at in your research. You are not expected to have thoroughly read and absorbed all the books and papers you discuss but you will obviously need to know what the papers are about. You will need to provide a preliminary, critical evaluation or assessment of why they are likely to be relevant to your topic.

Theoretical /Conceptual frameworks (Role of theory)

From the literature identify working concepts/models and theoretical frameworks that you will use to guide your research - What is the role of theory in relation to your research? In what ways are you using the theories of others? Are you testing theories or building them? Use a diagram here if possible.

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3. Methodology and methods Outline how you plan to go about doing your research.

Research Design (description of proposed research - type of study)

Justify the methodological and philosophical approach you intend to employ. What implications does your approach have for your research design and methods?

Research Context (e.g. industry sector, organisation)

What is the context of your proposed research? Key features, characteristics! Why is it a suitable context? Who will be studied? How many? How will they be selected (i.e. sampling)?

Procedure (i.e. what happened from the participants’ perspective, ethical considerations)

Consider ethics and access to your study sample. Try to anticipate any problem you might have in implementing your method.

Methods for data collection Describe (and justify) the methods and techniques you plan to use to collect your data. -What sort of data will you collect?How will you collect this data? Why is this method suitable for your question?

Methods for data analysis Describe (and justify) the methods and techniques you plan to use to analyse collected data. - What type of data analysis will you use

4. Discussion

Significance of proposed research (Research Contribution)

Research limitation

A necessarily preliminary statement of what you may find or demonstrate by having undertaken the research. Why it will be important and what the practical or theoretical implications might be.

What are the envisaged limitations to your research?

Provisional work schedule A timetable for completing the research indicating the tasks necessary to complete each segment. Don’t forget to include slippage time.

References A list of all works cited in your proposal

Bibliography This is a list of works not cited in your proposal, but which will be followed up in the main research.

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Presentation Style of Research Proposal

All research proposals must be presented using the Guidelines as follows:-

Style Guidelines:

Emphasis should be made by printing relevant text in italics and underlining should be avoided in preference to bolding.

First paragraphs (after a heading) should be flush to the margin with subsequent paragraphs first-line indented five spaces.

Dates should be written as: 29 May 2001; a decade may be written as: 1990s; pairs of dates may be hyphenated as: 1980-1990.

Single quotation marks should be used when quoting an author; double quotation marks should be used in other circumstances.

Text (excluding titles) should be written using 12 points font.

Please use 1.5 space.

Please use at least a 1cm page margins

Submission is via e-copy via Turnitin

References:

Footnotes are to be avoided and should take the form of endnotes, avoiding unnecessary elaboration. Use brief parenthetical citations in the manuscript text, with all cited sources listed alphabetically in the reference section of the Paper.

Parenthetical citations in the body of the text should include the name of the author of the cited material and the date of the reference, e.g. (Lowi, 1965); include page number of references to a direct quote, e.g. (Downs, 1954: 54).

For multiple listings, citations should be in date order and alphabetical order within the same year; use semi-colons between citations.

For multiple works which have the same author(s) and publication date, use ‘a’, ‘b’ after the date of the cited item, e.g. (Coffman, 1984a). Page numbers for chapters in books are essential.

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Form for referencing Journal Articles:

Hans, J.M. (1984), ‘The Political Economy of group Membership’, American Political Science Review, Vol. 79, No. 1, Summer, pp. 70-96.

Mayer, R. and Burton, J. (1985), ‘Distributional Impacts of Consumer Protection Policies: Differences Among Consumers’, Policy Studies Journal, Vol. 12, No. 1, March, pp. 91-105.

Form for Referencing Books:

Aronson, J.R. and Hilley, J.L. (1986), Financing State and Local Governments (4th

edition), The Brookings Institute, Washington D.C.

Kare, M.T. (1984), American Arms Supermarket, University of Texas Press, Austin.

Form for Referencing Edited Books:

Charles, M.T. and Kim, J.C. (Eds) (1988), Crisis Management: A Casebook, Charles C Thomas, Springfield.

March, J.G. (1984), ‘Theories of Choice and Making Decisions’, in Lane, F.A. (Ed.), Current Issues in Public Administration, St Martin’s Press, New York, pp. 229-246.

Form for Referencing Web:

Lutz, T. (1996), 'Leadership and Power’, Reflection Paper 2, http://cbpa.louisville.edu/bruce/rflct600/lutz2.htm, (DD.MM.YYYY).

DD.MM.YYYY = date of information retrieval

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STRM028 Research Methods Workshop

We will endeavor to cover:

Day Session Topic

Friday 1 Exercise: thinking of and choosing a topic

Friday 2 Lecture: the dissertation process

Friday 3 Exercise: what is research?

Friday 4 Lecture: envisioning the dissertation

Saturday 1 Lecture: research questions and proposal

Saturday 2 Exercise: proposals

Day Session Topic

Saturday 3 Lecture: Philosophy of Research

Saturday 4 Exercise: your philosophical position

Saturday 5 Lecture: doing a lit. review

Saturday 6 Exercise: reviewing a paper

Saturday 7 Lecture: Design and Method strategies

Saturday 8 Questions and Answers

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Additional Reading List

Philosophy of Social Science

Blaikie, N. (1993) Approaches to Social Enquiry, Polity Press, Cambridge.

This is a very good introduction to Philosophy of Social Science for researchers. It is comprehensive giving an overview of both classical and recent approaches to research. It is also readable! Highly recommended.

Blaikie, N. (2000) Designing Social Research, Polity Press/Blackwell, USA.

Presents a comprehensive and integrated scheme for preparing research designs and proposals. Concerned with the planning of social research projects rather than how to conduct them, it connects the techniques of research with key methodological issues in the social sciences. Includes a critical review of controversial issues such as the use of quantitative and qualitative methods, the role of case studies, the relevance of representative samples and the limited role for tests of significance.

Burrell, G. and Morgan, G. (1994) Sociological Paradigms and Organizational Analysis, 3rd ed. Aldershot, Arena.

A classic study, organisation studies-specific rather than just social science in general.

Layder, D. (1993) New Strategies in Social Research, Polity Press, Oxford.

This book is not just a "how to" book for social researchers, but seeks to develop new strategies of research by marrying new perspectives in social analysis to problems of concrete research.

Williams, M. and May, T. (1996) Introduction to the Philosophy of Social Research UCL Press, London.

This is a user-friendly book for research practitioners who wish to develop an understanding of the philosophical foundations of social science. It is not management-specific.

Johnson, P. and Duberley, J. (2000) Understanding Management Research, Sage, London.

This is actually focused on epistemology rather than being a general introduction to research as its title implies.

Qualitative Research Approach

Burgess, R. (1991) In the Field: An Introduction to Field Research, HarperCollins, London.

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Hammersley, M. and Atkinson, P. (1990) Ethnography: Principles and Practice, Routledge, London.

Lofland, J. and Lofland, L.H. (1995) Analyzing Social Settings: Observation and Analysis, 3rd ed, Wadsworth, Belmont, CA.

Silverman, D. (1993) Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analysing Talk, Text and Interaction, Sage, London.

These four are about qualitative methods, covering a range of issues on "fieldwork" to collect one's data and on the analysis of the material. All of them are quite readable, with plenty of case examples, and may open up new perspectives for anyone who associates research only with questionnaire surveys. Hammersley and Atkinson is perhaps stronger on the rationale for qualitative approaches, whilst the others are fuller on practical aspects. Lofland and Lofland is particularly good on the nuts and bolts of doing qualitative research, and on the use of computer packages such as NUD.IST (Non-numerical Unstructured Data Index Search Theory) for qualitative data management. Try and read at least one.

Denzin, N. K. and Lincoln, Y. S. (eds) (2000) Handbook of Qualitative Research, 2nd ed. Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.

An indispensable reference book on qualitative research for anyone doing such research. Sage have also produced this as a three volume paperback version.

Gummesson, E. (2000) Qualitative Methods in Management Research., 2nd ed., Sage, London.

Evert is known to some SOM Faculty for his work in the field of Relationship Marketing but this book crosses functional boundaries and has something to say for all management researchers looking at a qualitative approach.

Miles, M. B. and Huberman, A. M. (1994) Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Sourcebook, 2nd ed. Sage, London.

A very good source of ideas for doing, structuring and reporting qualitative analysis. Miles and Huberman developed this sourcebook by looking at a) work published in the last decade and b) sending an informal survey to 126 qualitative researchers on how they do qualitative analysis. Highly recommended for those undertaking qualitative research, or surveys with many open questions.

Strauss, A. and Corbin, J. (1998) Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques, 2nd ed. Sage, London.

One of the rare books that addresses qualitative analysis, in a structured way. This book is for those who are already a bit familiar with Glaser and Strauss' "grounded theory" approach.

Yin, R. K. (1994) Case Study Research: Design and Methods, 2nd ed. Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.

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An excellent book for case study methodology.

Gubrium, J. and Holstein, J. (eds), (2001) Handbook of Interview Research. Sage, London.

Atkinson, P., Coffey, A. and Delamont, S. (eds), (2001). Handbook of Ethnography. Sage, London.

Reason, Peter and Bradbury, Hilary (eds), (2000) Handbook of Action Research; Participative Inquiry and Practice, Sage, London.

Quantitative Research Approach

Black, T. R. (1999) Doing Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences: An Integrated Approach to Research Design, Measurement and Statistics, Sage, London.

This is a broad ranging text book overviewing the design and execution of research so that such issues as planning, sampling, design of measuring instruments, choice of statistical test and interpretation of results are integrated into the research process. The 'how to' approach guides you through the minefield of issues that area confronted when doing research and sets it apart from other books which focus on either the research design and measurement issues or statistical methods.

Sanders, D. H. (2000) Statistics: A First Course. 6th ed. McGraw Hill, Boston, MA.

Foddy, W. (1993) Constructing Questions for Interviews and Questionnaires: Theory and Practice in Social Research, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Oppenheim, A. N. (1992) Questionnaire Design, Interview and Attitude Measurement. 2nd ed. Pinter, London.

Both are good standard works on questionnaire surveys and related methods of the more quantitative kind. Oppenheim looks at a range of survey techniques and emphasises the design of the instrument. Both of them, in part, have more technical aspects which you might not want until and unless you were using these methods, but topics like interviewing and sampling will concern almost everyone in some form.

Marsh, C. (1988) Exploring Data: An Introduction to Data Analysis for Social Scientists, Polity Press, Cambridge.

This works through all the basic aspects of trying to make sense of quantitative data, with plenty of examples. It would be useful to anyone wrestling with survey data for the first time.

Rowntree D. (1991) Statistics without Tears: An Introduction for Non-Mathematicians, Penguin, Harmondsworth.

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With this book you can prime yourself with the key concepts of statistics before getting involved in the associated calculations. Using words and diagrams instead of figures, formulae and equations, it makes statistics accessible to those who are non-mathematicians.

Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

Sapsford, R. and Jupp, V. (eds) (1996) Data Collection and Analysis, Sage, London. Sage, London.

This is explained in simple and non-technical terms, considering both the structure of research projects and ethics and politics of research. It is illustrated with case studies, and complemented with exercises. It is an Open University text.

Neuman, W. L. (1999) Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative, 4th ed. Allyn and Bacon, Harlow.

An excellent comprehensive guide to a wide range of approaches, US-based, diagrammatic style, recommended reading.

Tabachinick, B. and Fidell, L. (2007) Using Multivariate Research Statistics, Boston

Hair, J., Black, W., Babin, B., Anderson, R. and Tatham, R. (2006) Multivariate data analysis, Pearson

Preparing A Literature Review/Writing

Hart, C. (1998) Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination, Sage, London.

This is a practical and comprehensive guide to researching, preparing and writing a literature review, a major component of research projects. It is an essential tool for postgraduate students. This is an accessible text, offering advice on how to: search out existing knowledge on a topic; analyse arguments and ideas; map ideas, arguments and perspectives; produce a literature review; construct a case for investigating a topic.

Huff, A. (1999) Writing for Scholarly Publication, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Being a Student Researcher and Managing Your Project

Howard, K. and Sharp, J.A. (1996) The Management of a Student Research Project, 2nd ed. Gower, Aldershot.

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Appendix 1 - grade criteria: level 7

An outstanding Distinction

A+ Work which fulfils all the criteria of the grade below, but at an exceptional standard

A very strong Distinction

A Work of distinguished quality which is evidenced by an authoritative comprehensive, detailed and systematic knowledge base and understanding for specialised area of study. A key feature will be the ability to work with creativity and originality using knowledge and insights at the forefront of the area of study. There will be a confident grasp of disciplinary methodologies for the discipline/area of study which will be consistently reflected in both own research and advanced scholarship, effectively integrating advanced skills of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application on a firm foundation of critical facility. Work will be characterised by strong technical expertise to high professional standards, and there will be sustained evidence of confident, autonomous operation and judgment in complex and unpredictable professional situations both in relation to working with others and in relation to own functioning. Self-direction, creativity, practical understanding will be combined to demonstrate the qualities expected of an effective self critical independent learner exercising excellent measured judgment, and will be a consistent feature of work.

A clear Distinction

A- Work of very good quality which displays most but not all of the criteria for the grade above.

An outstanding merit

B+ Work of highly commendable quality which clearly fulfils the criteria for the grade below, but shows a greater degree of capability in relevant advanced intellectual or specialised skills.

A very strong Merit

B Work of commendable quality demonstrating a detailed and systematic knowledge base and understanding in specialised areas, informed by critical awareness of current issues, research based/theoretical insights at the forefront of the area of study. This will be supplemented by a good comprehensive understanding of disciplinary methodologies relevant to own research or advanced scholarship, which will be reflected in work which integrates skills of advanced analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application with critical awareness. There will be some evidence of originality in application of skills/knowledge, underpinned by good technical expertise which permits confident, autonomous operation in a range of complex and unpredictable professional situations. The ability to work autonomously, as a self critical independent learner exercising good and considered judgment, will be a consistent feature of work.

A Merit B- Work of good quality which contains most, but not all of the characteristics of the grade above.

An Outstanding Pass

C+ Work which clearly fulfils the criteria for the grade below, but shows a greater degree of capability in relevant advanced intellectual or specialised skills.

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A Very Good Pass

C Work of capable quality which clearly demonstrates a systematic understanding of knowledge in specialised areas and a critical awareness of current issues, research based/theoretical knowledge at the forefront of the area of study, together with a sound understanding of methodologies applicable to own research or advanced scholarship. There may be limitations to the application of this knowledge and/or conceptual understanding of advanced scholarship, but there will be evidence of critical awareness in relation to analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application. The ability to exercise initiative as an independent and self critical learner in complex and unpredictable professional contexts will be demonstrated, as will threshold levels of technical expertise, although the scope of expertise may be limited.

A Pass C- Work of satisfactory quality which contains most, but not all of the characteristics of the grade above.

Fail F+ Work which indicates some evidence of a systematic, coherent and analytical engagement with key aspects of the field of study, including familiarity with current scholarship, and evidence of ability to utilise specialised skills, but which also contains significant limitations.

F Work that falls well short of the threshold standards in relation to one or more of knowledge, intellectual, subject based or key skills at this level.

F- Work of poor quality which is based on only minimal understanding, application or effort. It will offer only very limited evidence of familiarity with knowledge or skills appropriate to the field of study at this level.

G Nil submission

Guidelines are drawn using the following as reference points:

The Framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (QAA, 2001)

Credit and HE Qualifications: Credit guidelines for HE qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (CQFW, NICATS, NUCCAT, SEEC, 2001)

SEEC Credit Level Descriptors 2001

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Appendix 2- Research Proposal Submission Sheet:

Course Title: __________________________________________ Year/Stage:

__________________________

Module Title: STRM028 Research Proposal

Student Name ______________________________________Student Number:

__________________________

Module Tutor: __________________________ Date submitted:

__________________________

Student Declaration:

This is to certify that the attached work is my own. All external references and

sources are clearly acknowledged and identified within the contents. I am aware

of the University regulations concerning plagiarism and collusion.

Note: In case of group work, all group members must sign the above declaration.

Student Signature(s) __________________________________________ Date:

________________________

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